0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- Angleterre.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- Angleterre.- - England.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- Wales.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- Wales. - Position three in Group B.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- Everyone - wants to play against England.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- There'll be no real pressure on us - to win the game.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- I can't wait. You dream about it, - what's it going to be like.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- We cannot subtitle match commentary - due to broadcast rights.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- We need to make sure that it's the - start of something and not the end.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- This is the start. Team spirit. - We can go on for years.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58- The stadium went bonkers. - There were tears in my eyes.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06- The journey to Euro 2016.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- Although this is a fairly new - stadium, it already has a history.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- Things have happened here and - in Europe over the last 18 months...
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..that has changed - Welsh football forever.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- A strange, emotional tale taking - us from Bosnia and Herzegovina...
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- ..to Cyprus, Israel and Belgium.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- To begin at the beginning, - we must return to Andorra.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- I had a feeling before the group. - Something told me we would do well.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- Not so much about winning or - reaching the finals, but doing well.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- A penalty after six minutes.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- Perhaps the press conference - the following morning...
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- ..would be about - looking for a new manager...
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..never mind - that the campaign was over!
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- The referee was very poor. - We almost gifted them a penalty.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- That wasn't in the plan, obviously.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- You think of all the hype - before the campaign...
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- ..saying Wales - are going to do well...
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- ..and then in the first game - we fall flat on our face.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- It was a tough night - because they got the first goal.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- It was the start of the campaign.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- We were thinking. - Oh, no, what's happening?
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- I stand by my statement. That was - the toughest game we had to play.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- It was such a tough start - to the group.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- It wasn't a nice feeling.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Thank goodness - Bale stepped up to the plate.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- The first goal was brilliant - - a header by Gareth Bale.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- He scored other headers - during the campaign...
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- ..but the cross by Ben Davies - was excellent.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- There's a lot happening - on the pitch.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- I saw Gareth on his own in space.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- I crossed the ball to him - and he got his head on it.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- He still had a lot to do to score - a goal and he did a great job.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- The pitch was one of the most - difficult we've ever played on.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- The players ran onto that pitch - and bounced the ball.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- There was a smell, like tyres, - and all this black stuff flying up.
0:04:12 > 0:04:18- I lost six weeks to a knee injury - after playing on that pitch.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22- The ball wasn't moving.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Even players like Gareth and Aaron - were struggling on it.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- That late goal from Gareth Bale.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- When he got the free kick, - the defender infringes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- The referee wanted it taken again.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- I said to a member of - the association sitting with me...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- .."He'll score this time. - He's had a sighter."
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- It hit the back of the net and some - supporters came onto the pitch.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- It was the emotion, the release.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- I felt we hadn't played well - but had won.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- So many times in the first group - game we've played well and lost.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- The important thing here - was the three points.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23- The pitch was bad...
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- ..but we were still in it - at the end and got that late goal.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- Everyone was celebrating, - because we had three points.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- That was the beginning of the - development of the character...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..which has brought this group of - players closer and closer together.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- This squad has a really special - bond amongst the players.
0:05:47 > 0:05:53- Off the pitch, everyone pulls - together, players and coaches.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- Andorra's pitch was very rough.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- But 2-1 was good enough.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03- Despite the win in Andorra...
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- ..there was quite a ferocious - response from some people.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12- Some called for the manager to be - sacked despite the three points...
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- ..and being guinea pigs as the - first team to play on that pitch.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- Suddenly there was a lot of interest - in the game against Bosnia.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- I felt we had a good chance - after that first match.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- The first game - is so important to set you up.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- The momentum was building.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- Everyone was starting to think - - we can do this.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- We needed to get - the supporters to believe...
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- ..and we needed points on the board.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- We knew we had tough matches to - come, especially the away games...
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- ..in addition to matches in Cardiff.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Following the escape - in the Pyrenees, one month on...
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- ..two big games at - Cardiff City Stadium...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..faced Chris Coleman and his team - - Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cyprus.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen - were both injured...
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- ..but the man himself - was fighting fit.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- The fans turned out in - their thousands to play their part.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- I thought about that header so many - times throughout the campaign...
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- ..thinking - "Please don't come down - to one goal or two points."
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Although we only got one point, - in the Bosnia game...
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- ..you could see how much everyone - was putting into the team.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- That performance and that result - were vital parts of the campaign.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- After the Bosnia game, - there was no great change...
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- ..but we had more confidence to - do well against teams like that.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- We almost won. - We had chances to win it.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- We tried to say to the players - that we need to be more streetwise.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18- More calculated, ruthless.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- If we need to shut the game down, - we need to do it.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Not just play lovely football, - score some good goals...
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- ..but then lose 3-2 and get nothing.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- It's about making sure we - have a strong footing in the game...
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- ..and don't give it up easily.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- I thought - something's starting here.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- For our second game in four days...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- ..there were almost 25,000 fans - watching us play Cyprus.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- The support was amazing.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Watching that game - from the sidelines...
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- ..the first thing I noticed - was the atmosphere.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- You could feel the crowd - were behind the team.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- At the end, the exclamation - from Gareth Bale, the emotion.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- The crowd's responded as one.
0:09:52 > 0:09:58- Gareth is someone who loves playing - for his country, playing for Wales.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- His performances proved that.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- It's brilliant - for everyone to look at.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- If he can do it, - there's no excuse why you can't.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- As captain, - he's another player to lean on.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- He's stepped up this campaign.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Everything he's done, - the way he's played...
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- ..not only his goals but his whole - effort has been massive for us.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Seven points from nine. - That hadn't happened for a while.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- I thought, "There might - be something happening here."
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- "Escape from Andorra's - field of woes
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- "On Bluebird grass - fresh hope arose
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- "A deep sigh of relief - and much renewed belief."
0:10:45 > 0:10:45- .
0:10:47 > 0:10:47- Subtitles
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- "Yet to come, greater battles."
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Seven points and top of the table - after three games.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- The next three games were huge.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- Next up, the second best team - in the world in Brussels.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- The squad was sure - it would do well against Belgium.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- But we got a draw - on our previous visit...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- ..so we felt they'd be ready for us - this time.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- I remember getting there and hearing - the noise and the support...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- ..and realizing - something big was afoot.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- The performance was exceptional.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- Everyone knows Belgium have been - a real force in recent years...
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- ..in world football.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- They have so much talent.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- We cannot subtitle match commentary - due to broadcast rights.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- There were moments in the game where - Belgium were on top as expected.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- It wasn't a case of Wayne - pulling off save after save.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10- We were alright actually.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- We went there and did very well.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- We made it very difficult - for Belgium to play through us.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- We had to defend a lot out there - and we did a great job of that.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- It was a good point away from home.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- They had so many - technically gifted players.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Getting that point - was massive for us.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39- Our fans were magnificent.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- When our players were feeling tired - at 60 or 70 minutes...
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- ..the fans kept going, which gave - them that little nudge forward.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- The point was crucial. - In previous years, we'd have lost.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- The celebrations - were as if we'd already qualified.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- It was a massive game and - performance to get a clean sheet.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- It really felt like a victory.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- The players took off their tops...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- ..and the atmosphere was bonkers.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- The reaction afterwards...
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- ..where the lads - threw their jerseys into the crowd.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- That really set it all off.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Celebrating with the crowd - after the game...
0:13:35 > 0:13:41- ..was the point where we realized - there was a chance to make history.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- "A game that gave so much pleasure. - A nil-nil we will always treasure."
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- After that game, we visited - the grave of the poet, Hedd Wyn.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02- We wanted the players to know their - history and who they represent.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- You never know - how players will react.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- They all wanted to go.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Fair play to them, - they'd done their homework too.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- I gave them a little of the history - of Artillery Wood...
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- ..and showed them the graves of - young Welsh footballers who died.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- Graves of youngsters - of similar ages to them.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- Gareth Bale came up to me and - asked, "Where's the poet's grave?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- "My mother's reminded me - to stand by the poet's grave."
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- It was great that the world's - most expensive player...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..was asking me questions after - talking to his parents about it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- On the way back, they were - all happy to have been there.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54- It was an experience - that gave you so much perspective.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- Welsh people - had given their lives for us.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- You looked at gravestones...
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- ..that were unnamed - or the soldiers were 17 or 18.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- It was heart-breaking.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- It was very humbling.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- The majority of us hadn't been - to anywhere like that before.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- We went there and it was silence.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- All the lads - were in their own thoughts.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Some of the graves...
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- ..were for Welsh footballers, - no different to ourselves.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40- It was a very important experience. - We'll always remember it as players.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- We left very humbled - and in our own thoughts.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- We wanted to take the time out - to think about it.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Certain things - have happened in life...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..that we never have to see now - because of that.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- That whole period.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- We went to a top country - and got the result.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- There were thousands - of Welsh fans there.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- The next day, it flipped around - with a bit of reality.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- This is what Welsh people - have done for their country.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19- It was very special.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30- After the Belgium game, the - next game was even more important.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- The challenge - was sustaining a good start...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- ..and not coming up short - at the end again.
0:16:39 > 0:16:45- Every Welsh fan can remember many - occasions when that has happened.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- This group of players was different.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- The next test - was Haifa in the spring.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- Israel were also flying - and were top of the table.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- They'd won their first three games.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Israel away was incredible.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- The interest was incredible.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- The welcome - for Gareth Bale was amazing.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- It felt as if he was playing - for Israel rather than Wales.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- The whole stadium celebrated - when Bale was on the ball.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- We controlled possession throughout.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Our tactics were spot-on.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- The performance was superb - from the start.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- It was a strange feeling...
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- ..to win a game quite so easily.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- That goal was great because - we'd been working on the move.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- We wanted to press Israel really - hard when they were on the ball.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- David Vaughan won the ball, - fed Ramsey and he did his stuff.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- It was a special goal too - because it sealed the victory.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- 3-0 to Wales - was more than we expected.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- When did Wales last play a match - against a country in good form...
0:19:14 > 0:19:15- ..and win like that - 3-0?
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- That was the point - where I started to believe.
0:19:20 > 0:19:26- That performance against a good - Israel side gave us confidence.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- "The Dragon was breathing fire
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- "Two great talents - lifting it higher."
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- After that game, I couldn't see how - we wouldn't finish in the top two.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- I wasn't going to say it publicly. - I sure a few others felt the same.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- The performance that night, bearing - in mind the situation, was superb.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- I'll never forget that day.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- In years to come, that's the game - people will be talking about.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- One of the best atmospheres - I've ever experienced as a player.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- The performances on the field were - up there with the best I've seen.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- A lot of them - came from Welsh players.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- All I saw - was this looping backwards header...
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- ..landing at Gareth Bale's feet, - and he scored.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- I just thought, - "Something's wrong.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- "The Belgian defender - headed it straight to Bale!
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- "Why head it back? - Bale must be offside."
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- The stadium went bonkers.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- There were tears in my eyes.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- I checked the clock and saw 70 - minutes to go and had to cool down.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- The coolest man in the ground - was Bale.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Everyone else was wondering - what would happen next.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- Bale looked like he was in - the local park having a kickabout.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- He slotted it home.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- I've been involved in - a lot of football matches...
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- ..and played in front - of 70,000 or 80,000 people.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- I've never witnessed - an atmosphere like that.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- It was remarkable.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- I can't remember anything like - what happened after 70 minutes...
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- ..when the fans sang the anthem.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- I was standing there thinking, "I've - never experienced anything like it."
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- The crowd realized - the boys needed help.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- They knew they were exhausted.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Sometimes, players - are unaware of the crowd.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- They heard them that night - and they responded.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- That was fantastic. - Welshness at its best.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- The players fed off that support.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59- They heard every man, woman - and child urging them to hang on.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- It was only 20 minutes.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- It was so loud. - It spurred us on even more.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- At the end, the lads were emotional. - Chris Gunter was very emotional.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- The effort meant we had nothing - left. We had the result we wanted.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- Once we'd won the game, I knew - we weren't aiming for third spot.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- I knew we could qualify.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- We won't be the ones to nearly - do it, this is going to happen.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32- The feeling on and off the pitch - and with the whole nation...
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- ..was that - it was going to happen now.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- That night - was a special, special night.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- To be honest, I sat down - after that match...
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- ..and knew that was the one - that had made history.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- I knew 100% - we would qualify for France.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- "One thrill, one team, one night
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- "One crowd singing with delight
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- "One goal to set the hopes alight."
0:24:02 > 0:24:02- .
0:24:06 > 0:24:06- Subtitles
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- "In September it was sultry, - but time to make history."
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- September brought a trip to Cyprus.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- With four games left, - the dream was in sight.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- The players and the fans thought - it might be a big night in Nicosia.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- It was Wayne Hennessey's 50th cap.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- A clean sheet and a point - would be cause for celebration...
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- ..and a huge boost - to the hopes of reaching France.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- The game out in Cyprus was one...
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- ..where we thought - a point would be good.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48- They had beaten other teams in the - group and given us a tough game.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Winning the game was huge for us.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- It was just one of those moments.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- An amazing cross from Jazz Richards.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- He played fantastically well.
0:25:07 > 0:25:13- The header was one to make - John Charles or John Toshack proud.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- We cannot subtitle match commentary - due to broadcast rights.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44- Bale knows what he means to us - and how important he is to us.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50- When he got that goal, and so - late on too, it was unbelievable.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55- The reaction from everybody - seemed to suck him over towards us.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- The gaffer told me later...
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- ..that someone gave him three - little rabbit punches in the ribs.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- He's trying to find out - who did that in the huddle.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- I put my money on Gunter.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- I put my money on Gunter.- - I think it was Chris Gunter.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- No-one's owned up to it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Someone's taken a bit - of a cheap shot at me.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- I actually called a meeting - to get to the bottom of it.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- None of the lads have owned up yet.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- From the last couple of years, - that's the image in my mind.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- Everyone celebrating - after Bale has scored yet again.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Doing it - right at the end of the game...
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- ..makes it even better.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- I didn't know if Osian - was going to kiss him or what.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- I've spent decades telling - coaches and managers...
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- ..that when they are - in that technical area...
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- ..they must never get carried away.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02- For that brief moment, - it all went out of my head.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- That was down to the timing - and what it meant to us.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- The picture - shows how close we are as a squad.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14- The goalscorer...
0:27:14 > 0:27:20- ..always wants to share the glory - with the whole squad.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Behind the goal to the left - was a sea of red.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- That really said something. - Together Stronger.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- The fans really joined in - and saw the passion.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- The spirit between the players - is quite special.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41- The fans want to be part of that - and feel they are a part of that.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- It isn't just - the players on the pitch...
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- ..but the substitutes - and squad players too.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- The single biggest thing - that got us over the line...
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- ..was the strength - of whoever the gaffer picked.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58- They did the job and more.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- We've used 24 players - during the campaign.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- Every one of those - has played his part.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- A few haven't come off the bench.
0:28:09 > 0:28:15- However, their role and what they've - brought to the group is crucial too.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- "Gareth Bale, our diamond
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- "Drives us towards the horizon."
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- As they returned to Cardiff Airport, - the situation was clear.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32- Beat Israel and the waiting would - be over with two games to spare.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- We flew back - and we felt we could do it.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- We just needed to win the game. - We were confident going into it.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- We didn't expect them - to be so defensive.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- That threw us a bit - and we couldn't open them up.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- We had a job to do and - we weren't going to lose the game.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03- That was crucial - because Israel are a good side.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08- There are no easy games - at this level. They are all tough.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- As a squad, we thought we'd do it.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- We had lots of chances early on.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- Had one gone in, - the game would have been different.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- On the night, it was a good - performance but we couldn't score.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- From that double-header, - I thought we'd get four points.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- I expected one away and three at - home, but we got three points first.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- If we'd beaten Israel...
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- ..we would've qualified - in the capital in front of the fans.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- We got a point and everyone - walked away a bit disappointed.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- They weren't thinking - it's another one of them.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15- Everybody knew we'd do it.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- We just wanted to do it in Cardiff - in front of everyone.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- I left the ground wondering - if I was happy with a point.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- We were closer - but we'd missed an opportunity.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- We knew - we had Andorra to fall back on.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- We knew we'd get it done...
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- ..but we wanted to get it done - as quick as possible.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- That was a frustrating game - to be honest.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- "The fires of hope had been muted
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- "A crowd's optimism - suddenly diluted
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- "Ghosts of old failures, - deep-rooted."
0:30:52 > 0:30:52- .
0:30:55 > 0:30:55- Subtitles
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- "A feast of cheese - and kisses on the cheek
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- "Croissants and baguettes so sleek
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- "The English channel on the swell
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- "Our football dream - remains alive and well"
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- We are unable to subtitle commentary - due to broadcast rights.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- We needed a point - or to win the game.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- We wanted to win, celebrate, - come home and celebrate again.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53- It was a strange night - it showed - how much we'd matured as a team.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- For 70 minutes, - we were totally comfortable.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- We were convinced that - we would eventually win the game.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- We were probing, we were the ones - creating goalscoring chances.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- We were going - from strength to strength.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25- For long periods, it was - the most comfortable we had been.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- The Bosnian crowd - was whistling their own players.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- They couldn't break us down - and we should have scored.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Then they scored a poor goal.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54- When we went one down, - Bryn Law was quite near the bench.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- He was listening - to a live feed of the other game.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- I was fuming with the game until we - got a message about the other game.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- This was about eight minutes to go.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28- Those whispers, I had to know - where they were coming from.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33- Someone said, "James Collins - had heard from somewhere."
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- I asked if they were sure.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40- The next thing I saw was James - Collins sprinting behind the bench!
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- It was very quick for him.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- He came back - and said it was still 2-1.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- They scored again - and I forgot the other match.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- I was so annoyed and fuming.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- That game was the only - disappointment in the campaign.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08- We didn't want to lose any matches.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- We played very well that day. - We were unlucky to lose it.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22- At the final whistle, - we weren't 100% certain.
0:34:22 > 0:34:28- We didn't want to look like fools - and celebrate prematurely.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- We decided to walk off quietly...
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- ..find out for sure - in the dressing room...
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- ..and celebrate if we were certain.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- But Chris was really disappointed.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46- He'd already walked from - the technical area to the tunnel.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- As I was walking off, I was shaking - hands with the Bosnian players.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58- I could see Mark Evans, our - secretary, walking across the pitch.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- It was hard to tell...
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- ..because Mark always looks - like he's had a bad day.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- Unless you talk about - Merthyr or darts, he never smiles.
0:35:09 > 0:35:15- We're walking onto the pitch and - Mark Evans says we're in the finals.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- The other result had gone our way.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Chris was walking towards us.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- I asked Mark if he was certain - and he said he was.
0:35:24 > 0:35:25- "You can tell him," I said.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- I didn't want to tell Chris - and for him to start celebrating...
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- ..only to have to apologize later - for being wrong.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- I didn't want the responsibility - but Mark was fine.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- He has a beard, - he's the Owain Glyndwr of the FAW.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44- He marched up to Chris, told him - and away went Chris.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46- He said, "Israel have one."
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- The way he said it sounded like, - "Israel have won"...
0:35:50 > 0:35:51- ..not one goal.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- "Israel one," small pause, - "Cyprus two."
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- He said, "We've qualified." - I desperately wanted to believe it.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- I said, "Are you sure?" - He said, "We've qualified."
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- Some of the players - wanted to celebrate.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- I said, "No, we're not sure."
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- One said, - "What about him over there?!"
0:36:12 > 0:36:17- Chris Coleman - was with the fans celebrating.
0:36:19 > 0:36:24- All the boys were at the back - with their heads down...
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- ..because we'd lost the game.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- We looked up and saw Chris Coleman - running towards our fans.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- That was the moment - we knew we'd qualified.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57- The place went bonkers - and it was great being a part of it.
0:36:58 > 0:37:04- We celebrated as a squad - with the fans behind the goal.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- It was an amazing feeling.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- There was a fence between us.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- I could see grown men crying.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- They'd been through so much - following us over the years.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- They'd seen a lot of disappointment.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- That one day we were all together.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- They're crying - and we're going bananas.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- It was all worth it.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- It was quite surreal.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- It was the best of news.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- It was odd, - we'd lost but we were celebrating.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- The best defeat ever.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- After the game, - going back to the hotel...
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- ..with the people who'd been with us - all the way was very special.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- Owain Fon Williams - was on the guitar.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- It was a good night.
0:38:16 > 0:38:22- We were all in the bar. - No-one was in their rooms.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- It showed how close this squad is.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- That's how it's been from the start.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- Everyone's pulled together.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- Nobody went their own way. - We all stayed together.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- It was fantastic.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Memories like that - are the ones you never forget.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- It's great to have that night - to remember forever.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- It had been a long time coming.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- It was nice - to finally cross the line.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- "Teammates - working for the greater good
0:38:56 > 0:38:58- "Shoulder to shoulder - our lads stood.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- "Losing the game - but a victorious brotherhood."
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- It was a nice game to be honest.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- There aren't many games - in your career...
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- ..that you can relax and take - a minute to enjoy the atmosphere.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- The build up and everything - made for a nice game.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- Playing Andorra meant we had a lot - of the ball and a lot of chances.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- It's amazing - what this set of lads has achieved.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- It's something - we can look back on with pride.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- It was brilliant.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- Everybody enjoyed the feeling - that we had done something special.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- After the game, it looked like - we'd won the World Cup!
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- Unless you're Gaz at Real Madrid...
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- ..you don't get to - celebrate like that too often.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07- You don't win many things.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- It was nice to get on the pitch - afterwards and do a victory lap.
0:41:13 > 0:41:19- Wales has been looking forward - for years to do something like this.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- It wasn't just for the fans - in the stadium.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- It was for anyone who's been - at a game over the years.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- We were always hopeful...
0:41:31 > 0:41:36- ..that Wales - could qualify for a tournament.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- It's something we hadn't done - since the days of John Charles.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- 'Diolch' is a simple word.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- You can ask someone, - "What's thank you in Welsh?"
0:41:49 > 0:41:50- "Diolch."
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- It was a message - that went around the world.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- Others may disagree with this...
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- ..but I think - it made more of an impact...
0:41:58 > 0:42:04- ..than a forced government policy - or protest group action.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- It's all about the players.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11- We prepare them as much as we can...
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- ..and squeeze every last ounce out - of them to get them on the pitch...
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- ..to produce a performance - that the whole nation is proud of.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21- That's how it works.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- He came into the job at the toughest - time ever for a new Welsh manager.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- He may have felt that the players - nor the association wanted him...
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- ..and the fans - weren't behind him either.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- He just persevered.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Of course - I'm delighted we qualified.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43- I'm delighted - that my country has qualified.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47- But in a way, what I'm proudest of - is that he's made it.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- He's proved his critics wrong.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- He won't say it - but someone should say it for him.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- I wasn't sure if - I was ever going to experience it.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02- Not just as the manager of Wales...
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- ..or as a player...
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- ..but I didn't know if - I'd experience it in my lifetime.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16- When you've done it and you've been - a part of it - it's indescribable.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19- We would run through - a brick wall for him.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21- He's an honest guy.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- He's a player's manager.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- We all have - a good relationship with him.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33- His speeches are legendary - before we go out to play.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38- Getting a camera in on - one of them would be worthwhile.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- When he's finished speaking, - you want to headbutt the ball.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- You're so up for the game.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47- He speaks from the heart.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50- He tells you how it is. - You want that as a player.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55- It's still a young team - with more to come.
0:43:55 > 0:44:01- One long-term aim was to make sure - this doesn't happen once a decade.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06- We're a team with perhaps - our best years ahead of us.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- We hope going to France - is just the beginning...
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- ..of a Wales team - that can qualify consistently.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- We dream about what it will be like.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22- I honestly can't wait.
0:44:22 > 0:44:26- We have to get out of our group. - Simple as that.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- We can't go there thinking, - "We did so well to get here."
0:44:30 > 0:44:32- It's done. - We've got to go there to produce.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37- "Two young brothers - in a life sentence!
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- "Tonight, half an age of hope - became fact
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- "The faith in an old photo - turned into sheer joy."
0:44:46 > 0:44:50- There's something special - about an empty stadium.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- Close your eyes - and you can hear the past.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- If I'm lucky enough - to come back here in 50 years...
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- ..I'll see Ashley and Ramsey - and Joe Ledley's beard.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- I'll remember Osian and Coleman - on the touchline...
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- ..hear Robson Kanu's song - and The Land of My Fathers.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- I'll see Bale bellowing...
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- ..and one word on a red shirt - encapsulating it all - diolch.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:45:43 > 0:45:44- .